Chopper builds

[Schming]

"As to being a "young gun", I have a feeling that you all think that I may be younger than I am."

That phrase I used in the second sentence in my post wasn't refering to age but to ones limited experience in the shop aka "green" that can and does happen at any age when treading on new ground.

Although not so green myself I am experiencing some of the same queries that some of the builders on the site are as I ponder over the $ 250.00 XV700L I will be modifying in the near future.

The whole bonus of a bike build whether stock or not is the "Chicken Soup for The Soul" you get as the task is underway and I know That is what and will keep me doin' it til I can't.

[T99Ford]

This is one forum that I have pretty much always been pretty darn accepted in. This includes the following builds:

XS1100G:
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29074

XS400:
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26326
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26556
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26827

FZ600:
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32042

VTR1000F:
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34610
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35148

None of these builds has conformed to stock restorations, and with the exception of the XS400 project beginning, all were received warmly and with the full understanding of "different strokes...' Heck, it's the reason I am even still here--I don't even own an XS anymore! This is a great crowd, but one that takes some burden of proof to look through 'flash-in-the-pan' builds and builders. Sure, it takes some persistence, but once you're through, it is a loyal group of eFriends that will help to the full extent of their ability.

Bottom line, stick with them, and the reverse will begin to happen!

That said, I think it's funny how everyone keeps using flywheel horsepower numbers for the XS11. The wheel numbers are a lot lower when viewed on a dyno...for a race bike, the XS11 makes a pretty good cruiser, if you know what I mean...

Most regular cruiser twins tend to favor torque over the 11, and sacrifice horsepower--the result of often greater displacement. Other twins are simply more powerful at all fronts, the result of 30 years of technology. Remember, two of the most powerful production supersport bikes are twins--Ducati and BMW. I even know of one old Honda VTR that seems to do pretty good...

[xs11lover]

My two cents

I love these old xs11's/ I guess that's why my wife gave me my name. As long as we are all working to keep them on the road, it's all good. Isn't it. We don't have to ride those hard tails.

[slow mo]

Hi Marty,
y'know, I've very nearly given up naggin' at the hardtailers.
After all, what they are asking for is advice and "Don't do that, you effin' Vandal" is not advice, it's a lecture.
So, chop away, you style-mad masochists, good luck to you and ride safe.
Any technical tricks that I've picked up over the years are yours for the asking.

well put Fred ! i could n,t agree more ,,ride safe ,,slow mo!

[jetmechmarty]

I guess I should be happy about it. It leaves fewer bikes to compete for the dwindling supply of spare parts.

[ambidextrous]

plus it frees up a lot of parts from the parts people cut off or remove

i sold a bunch of mine and probably helped others out

so it was win win, sort of

[Cuda 69]

My last bike was a Kaw. Vulcan 1500, was a great bike for what it was. Heavy ,nice looking cruiser.Didn't handle for crap but was comfortable.BUT..for riding....Def. love my XS11!! As one of my Harley buddies said to me one day,"If it has two wheels and a motor, I have no problem with you riding with me"!!! With saying that,I love all bikes. some people don"t like my bike,but it's MINE,so who cares.Just thought I'd chime in. LOL